Creative Short Courses to do in London

Years ago, I did a short course to learn Corsetry at the London College of Fashion.  I thoroughly loved the experience and still think about it now.  Ever since then, I have always had my eye out for interesting courses to take on my travels. Some of the other courses I have taken are Cooking with Coconuts (Fiji), Thai Cooking (Bangkok), Cajun Cooking (New Orleans), dance courses in the U.S. and a photography course at Lord of the Rings locations in New Zealand. If you love creative pursuits, learning and travel, why not combine all three to make your trip a special experience.

CITY, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

City, University of London is a world-class university located in the heart of London. With a rich history dating back to 1894, City has a long-standing reputation for providing high-quality education and research opportunities to students from all over the world. Today, City is home to more than 19,000 students and over 1,000 staff members, making it one of the largest universities in the UK.

The university offers a wide range of short courses.  One of the key strengths of City is its location in the heart of London. The university is surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and attractions, including the Bank of England, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower of London. This means you will be able to fit in some sightseeing around your course. City has a supportive and inclusive community, with a range of student services and facilities available to support students throughout their time at the university.

Their creative short courses run from 2 days to 10 weeks so you will need a little time complete a course at City, University of London.  The 2 days courses are Writing the Memoir and Writing for Impact. Other longer short courses include: The Business of Visual Arts, Screenwriting, Novel Writing & Longer Works, Photoshop, Curating and Exhibition Management, Going Freelance with Confidence and Music Business Management.  City, University of London is located at Northampton Square.  The closest Tube stations are Angel and Farringdon.

UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON

University of the Arts London (UAL) offers a wide range of short courses, designed to provide practical, hands-on learning opportunities. From photography and graphic design to fashion and textiles, UAL has something for everyone. These courses are taught by experienced professionals and offer a unique insight into the creative industries. They are an excellent way to develop new skills and explore new interests. They also provide a valuable opportunity to network and meet like-minded individuals. These short courses are open to both students and professionals and are available at varying levels of intensity, from a few hours to several weeks. They are also available at different times of the year, making them accessible to those with busy schedules. The courses take place in UAL’s state-of-the-art facilities, which are equipped with the latest technology and equipment. Whether you’re looking to take your first steps into the creative world or to advance your existing skills, UAL’s short courses offer a unique opportunity to explore and develop your creativity.

University of the Arts has short courses in a number of creative categories.  In the Performance and Design for Theatre & Screen category they have Acting Workshops, Set Design, Costume, various acting techniques, design specifically for screen or theatre and Playwriting.  These courses are held at the Central Saint Martins Campus, King’s Cross.  The closest Tube station is King’s Cross.

In the Fine Art category they have Print, Painting, Portraiture, Drawing, Sketching, History of Art, Bookbinding, Sculpture, Developing Creativity, Metalwork, Mixed Media, Letterpress and many more.  These courses are held at the Central Saint Martins Campus, Granary Square.  The closest Tube station is King’s Cross.

In the Fashion category: Fashion Metaverse Technologies, Life Drawing for Fashion, Sustainable Design Approaches, Fashion Portfolio, Street Fashion and Styling to name a few.  These courses are held at London College of Fashion, Lime Grove.  Closest Tube station is: Shepherd’s Bush.

Other categories include: 3D Design & Product Design, Accessories, Footwear & Jewellery, Animation, Interactive, Film & Sound, Architecture, Business Management, Communication & Graphic Design, Creative Computing, Curation & Culture, Illustration, Journalism, PR, Media & Publishing, Photography, Textiles & Materials. As you can see there is a huge choice.

THE ROYAL CENTRAL SCHOOL OF SPEECH AND DRAMA

The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, commonly referred to as Central, is a world-renowned drama school located in London, England. Founded in 1906, the school has a rich history of providing high-quality training for actors, directors, producers, designers, and other theatre professionals.

Central offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in theatre, performance, and media-related subjects. These include courses in acting, directing, playwriting, theatre design, applied theatre, and more. The school’s faculty is made up of experienced industry professionals and scholars who bring their expertise and passion to the classroom.

One of the hallmarks of Central’s training is its focus on individualized attention and small class sizes. This allows for a highly personalized approach to learning, where students receive feedback and guidance from their teachers and peers in a supportive and collaborative environment. The school’s facilities are also top-notch, with state-of-the-art theatres, rehearsal spaces, and equipment that allow students to practice and perform at a professional level.

In addition to its academic programs, Central is also home to a number of research centers and projects that contribute to the development and advancement of the theatre and performance industry. The school is committed to innovation and experimentation, and encourages its students to take risks and explore new forms of expression and storytelling.

Central’s alumni include many notable figures in the theatre and entertainment industry, including Judi Dench, Harold Pinter, Andrew Garfield, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and many others. The school’s reputation for excellence has made it a highly sought-after destination for aspiring artists from all over the world.

At Central you can do short courses in the evening or during summer and a few other options.  Some of the short courses include Shakespeare, Movement, Voice, Directing, Playwriting and Acting for camera. Some of the Summer courses are Puppetry, Acting for Beginners, Summer Shakespeare, Stage Combat and Summer Theatre Company. The closest Tube station is Swiss Cottage (Jubilee line).

LONDON METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY

London Metropolitan University is a modern and dynamic institution located in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant cities, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across a wide range of subjects. With a history dating back to the 19th century, the university has evolved over time to become a globally recognized institution known for its diverse student body, strong industry partnerships, and commitment to social justice and access to education.

The university offers a range of courses across faculties, including business, law, computing, arts and humanities, social sciences, and science and technology. Courses are designed to provide students with a solid academic foundation, as well as the practical skills and experience needed to succeed in their chosen field. London Metropolitan University also places a strong emphasis on employability, with many courses including opportunities for internships, work placements, and other practical experiences that help prepare students for the workforce.

London Metropolitan University’s location in the heart of London provides students with access to a wealth of cultural and social opportunities, as well as the chance to connect with industry leaders and build professional networks. The university also offers a range of support services to help students succeed, including academic and career counseling, accommodation assistance, and student clubs and societies.

The only short courses in creative subjects I can see at this university are Upholstery and Irish Writers.  If you have an interest in either of these subjects, this would be the place to go. Campuses are located at Holloway, Aldgate and Shoreditch. The Tube stations are Holloway Road, Aldgate and Hoxton.

LONDON SOUND ACADEMY has plenty of short courses.  Some of them are DJing for all different levels, Music Production and Mixing & Mastering.  They are located in Camden.

ELENA SHVAB MILLINERY has courses to make a variety of different hats at her studio in London. Felt Hats, Straw Hats and Fascinators are some of the skills you can learn. elenashvab.com

LONDON PHOTO TOURS AND WORKSHOPS have short courses on, you guessed it, photography.  There are Night Photography, Street Photography, Flowers, Beginners and Master Workshops and courses.  Many of their courses meet in Trafalgar Square.  londonphototours.co.uk

DANCEWORKS LONDON is the place to go to learn dance. They have classes in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Street, Commercial, African, Salsa, Bollywood, Flamenco and Chinese Dance.  They are located right near Selfridges.  Closest Tube stations are Bond Street and Marble Arch.